Muslim Americans Reach Historic Milestone in 2026 Midterms

Muslim Americans reached a historic milestone in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, with at least seven candidates elected to Congress including Abdul El-Sayed, who became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. An eighth candidate, California Representative Aisha Wahab, was leading her race but remained uncalled in the reporting cited below.

New faces heading to Washington

• Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan: The Democrat won election to the U.S. Senate, marking a first for Muslim representation in the chamber.
• Adam Hamawy, New Jersey: The surgeon and U.S. Army veteran won the 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent New Jersey in Congress. Hamawy previously volunteered to treat wounded Palestinians in Gaza.
• Darializa Avila Chevalier, New York: The Democrat won the 13th Congressional District, securing her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Incumbents retain their seats

Four Muslim Democratic representatives secured reelection to the House: André Carson in Indiana’s 7th District, Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s 5th District, Rashida Tlaib in Michigan’s 12th District, and Lateefah Simon in California’s 12th District. Their victories, alongside the newly elected members, expand Muslim representation in the next Congress.

One race still awaiting a call

Aisha Wahab, who entered Congress after an August special election, was leading the contest for a full term in California’s 14th District. Religion News Service reported that the Associated Press had not called her race as of its November 4 update. A victory would bring the total to eight Muslim members elected to the next Congress—one senator and seven House members.

The results mark a significant expansion of Muslim American representation at the federal level, bringing both new lawmakers and returning members to Washington.